Published on: 4/28/2025
Tingling when trying to sleep might happen if a nerve is pressed or if your sleep position changes blood flow to certain parts of your body. Adjusting your sleep position and making sure you're comfortable may help, but talk to a doctor if it continues.
Sometimes when you lie down to sleep, you might feel a tingly sensation because a nerve can be slightly pressed or squeezed. This is called “paresthesia” and happens when there is a change in blood flow or nerve signals. For example, if your head or arm is in a position that puts pressure on a nerve, you might feel tingly. The way you hold your head or body when you sleep can also affect how comfortable your nerves are. Changes in sleeping position, like switching pillows or adjusting which side you sleep on, might alleviate sensation. Research into sleep head positions suggests that the way we sleep can change how our brain and nerves feel. If you keep noticing the tingling, or if it becomes painful, it is a good idea to talk with a doctor who can understand more about your symptoms and give proper advice for you.
(References)
Beran R. Paraesthesia and peripheral neuropathy. Aust Fam Physician. 2015 Mar;44(3):92-5. PMID: 25770571.
Levendowski DJ, Gamaldo C, St Louis EK, Ferini-Strambi L, Hamilton JM, Salat D, Westbrook PR, Berka C. Head Position During Sleep: Potential Implications for Patients with Neurodegenerative Disease. J Alzheimers Dis. 2019;67(2):631-638. doi: 10.3233/JAD-180697. PMID: 30614805; PMCID: PMC6398535.
Tihanyi BT, Ferentzi E, Beissner F, Köteles F. The neuropsychophysiology of tingling. Conscious Cogn. 2018 Feb;58:97-110. doi: 10.1016/j.concog.2017.10.015. Epub 2017 Oct 31. PMID: 29096941.
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